Invasion of the Kitchen Kiddos!

Date Published:09/13/2016

Pinterest Project of the Month

Each month Summit presents a different activity perfect for the classroom or home.

Invasion of the Kitchen Kiddos!

September 13 is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, a day where children and teens are encouraged to take over their kitchen to cook a meal for their family! Created by the Young Chefs Academy, the objective of this day is to empower kids and teens to become more actively involved in the planning, preparation, and cooking of meals. With that in mind, CLICK HERE to jump on over to our Pinterest account to find fun and simple recipes perfect for chefs of all ages!

5 Quick Tips for Ensuring a Fun and Safe Kitchen

Clean HandsHands carry lots of germs, especially when coming from the playground or the bathroom. So before bringing the kids into the kitchen, young chefs should lather hands with warm, soapy water, front and back, and under fingernails. This will instill the importance of hand-washing before handling or eating food!

Practice with PlasticProbably one of the biggest fears for parents cooking with kids is letting them handle sharp knives. Let your child practice first by using plastic knives, which are less likely to cause injuries. Instruct kids to hold the knife in one hand while the free hand acts as a “claw,” gripping the item with their nails. Knuckles should be facing the blade with fingers tucked under. Have them test out their cutting skills on easy-to-slice bananas and gradually working up to apples, carrots, and peppers.

Handling HeatBesides learning how to use the stove and oven, kids need to be aware that any equipment that’s been heated can be dangerously hot to touch with bare hands. That includes pots, pans, lids, and handles, as well as utensils — all of which can stay warm well after they’ve been removed from direct heat. Toasters and microwaves are no exception — bowls and containers that have been put in the microwave should never be picked up without a potholder or oven mitt. Hot liquids, oil, and steam are more likely to cause injury than actual flames, so lifting or pouring should be done slowly and only on stable surfaces.

To Taste or Not to TasteIt’s tempting to want to lick that cake batter, but raw ingredients carry the risk of foodborne illnesses. Uncooked eggs and raw meat or poultry (including the marinade they sat in) should never be taste-tested. Remind kids to let hot things cool before tasting and not to lick their fingers when cooking, as they may have come into contact with harmful bacteria.

Proper AttireWith kids in the kitchen, it can quickly become a messy place, so be ready for spills and splatters galore. To keep them clean, kids should wear an apron or old clothes. Avoid dangling jewelry that could catch on drawer handles or knobs on the stove. Bonus: Make your young cook feel really special by topping off his outfit with a kid-sized chef’s hat!

Summit is Celebrating National Food Safety Month

All month we are observing how to keep your family safe from kitchen injuries and foodborne illnesses. Click here to view fun activities and tips for all ages!

Show Us Your Creations!

We want to see what your little chefs cooked up! Share pics of your plates on facebook and be sure to include the hashtag #KidsTakeOverTheKitchenDay. We could feature your meal in our next newsletter!